lower abdomen cramps while running

Question

I get these freaky cramps when i'm about 10 mins into my run all the time! They feel like intense menstrual cramps and it gets worst when i stop to rest. They tend to ease for a few moments before coming back again and this would take about 15 min to slowly disappear. It makes me crouch and lie flat again and again: movement eases the pain slightly.

This is especially bad when i run at a higher intensity and longer period! ;(
This has been going on for about 4 years! I went to see a doc a few years back and she told me something about me being inactive but i am not. I had this pain running 5 days a week. Even now when im nt as active!

Someone help! @@

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Hello,I have had the same thing happen to me! The only difference is that sometimes my cramps even cause diarreha. I don't know why this happens. It doesn't happen all the time. I will start my run, and a few minutes in my stomach will begin to cramp. Stopping doesn't help, but the pain gets too intense to continue running. This has interferred with my daily running. Thank you

simidrm · Answer

Most of us experience them at one time or another. That sharp twinge of pain just below the rib cage usually on the right. It is particularly common in runners and has been known to slow some down to a walk until the pain subsides. Up until recently there was no clear explanation for the cause of this annoying cramp, also called exercise related transient abdominal pain (ETAP). Now researchers believe that the side stitch is caused by stretching the ligaments that extend from the diaphragm to the internal organs, particularly the liver. The jarring motion of running while breathing in and out stretches these ligaments. Runners tend to exhale every two or four steps. Most people exhale as the left foot hits the ground, but some people exhale when the right foot hits the ground. It is the later group who seem more prone to get side stitches.Exhaling when the right foot hits the ground causes greater forces on the liver (which is on the right side just below the rib cage). So just as the liver is dropping down the diaphragm raises for the exhalation. It is believed this repeated stretching leads to spasms in the diaphragm.Stopping a Side StitchTo stop a side stitch when running, stop running and place your hand into the right side of your belly and push up, lifting the liver slightly. Inhale and exhale evenly as you push up. Preventing a Side StitchTo prevent a side stitch, take even, deep breaths while running. Shallow breathing tends to increase the risk of cramping because the diaphragm is always slightly raised and never lowers far enough to allow the ligaments to relax. When this happens the diaphragm becomes stressed and a spasm or "stitch" is more likely. Some other ways to alleviate the pain of a side stitch include: Time your eating. Having food in your stomach during a workout may increase cramping by creating more force on the ligaments (avoid eating one to two hours before a workout)Stretching may prevent or relieve a cramp. Raise your right arm straight up and lean toward the left. Hold for 30 seconds, release, then stretch the other side.Slow down your pace until pain lessens.Breathe deep to stretch the diaphragm.Drink before exercise; dehydration can increase muscle cramps.Massage or press on the area with pain. Bend forward to stretch the diaphragm and ease the pain.* If you continue to experience pain, see your doctor

Anonymous · Answer

I agree. These are not side stiches. It is comforting to know I am not the only one out there...cuz when you speak with professionals they look me like I am making this up.I just experienced my worst episode today ever and have once again begun to look for answers.My experience to date:Usually happens right before my period or the start of my periodBegins about 5-10 mins into runFeels like menstrual crampsDepending on the severity of pain during episode I may feel nauseated and can feel like I have diarrheaPain usually lasts about 5-10 minutes (today 1 hour)Get the cold sweats when pain is really badPain goes away as quickly as it comes onI have sought Dr's help in the past and none of them have heard anything like this before. Therefore, I have been told to stop exercising if it hurts (cuz that is reasonable...just get unhealthy and out of shape instead), it must be in my head (since they have never heard of this before it can't be real), or it's a side stitch (let me clarify I have experienced several side stitches before and they are nothing like the pain I am attempting to describe here)?!?!?!?! A gynecologist suggested it might be caused by a twisted uterus. My cramping stopped for several years while I was on birth control. The pain is back now I am no longer on birth control.Any suggestions other then saying it is in my head, stop exercising, or its side stitches is greatly appreciated.

Anonymous · Answer

Im sorry but the people who give feedback to these have no clue what their talking about. If you would read what they are saying carefully you would see that they are talking about craping in their lower abdomen. THIS IS NOT A SIDE STITCH.

Anonymous · Answer

i know EXACTLY what you're talking about.  feels exactly like menstrual cramps - for me they start about 20 minutes into a run, forcing me to stop, but then get way worse after i stop.  they then continue for ten minutes or so and then disappear.  sometimes they cause diarrhea for me, too.  this is NOTHING like a side stitch.  also, i've noticed that although they feel like menstrual cramps, they don't occur during my period.  bizarre and slightly worrisome - i've been getting them for years, but not every time i run, probably only once every few weeks.  something to ask the doctor about next time.

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